Mama Ida Odinga has issued an update on Oburu Odinga after young people chanted his name during the first anniversary commemoration of Raila Odinga’s death.
Ida, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Oburu’s sister-in-law, said on October 15 that Oburu was experiencing health issues and therefore missed the anniversary.
Ida further apologized on Oburu’s behalf, saying he was unwell and unable to attend the anniversary gathering.
She reassured members of the public that he was alive and sick, but not as seriously ill as some might have feared.
According to Ida, Oburu’s doctors advised him not to attend events that attract large crowds.
“Dr Oburu is not feeling well, but he is not very sick. He is alive, but the doctors have said that he should not come to a loud rally like this,” Ida Odinga explained.
Ida also conveyed Oburu’s message to the public, asking Kenyans to keep praying for him as he faces his health challenges.
Also Read: Ida Odinga Breaks Silence on Raila’s Final Hours in India
Ida Odinga Emotional Message to Kenyans
As Ida Odinga explained that Oburu missed the ceremony, she recalled handing her husband, the late Raila Odinga, over to Kenyans during the Azimio la Umoja convention at Kasarani Stadium on December 10, 2021, saying she had asked the public to care for him as he pursued his political ambitions.
“On the 10th of December 2021, during the Azimio la Umoja convention at Kasarani, I released Jakom to the public. Today, I’m sorry to report that I gave you him alive, but you gave him back to me in a coffin,” she said.
The December 10, 2021, event at Kasarani Stadium marked a major moment in Raila’s Azimio la Umoja campaign ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Raila later contested the 2022 presidential election under the Azimio la Umoja coalition but lost to William Ruto, who was declared the winner.
Winnie Odinga Sends Birthday Wishes to Oburu during Raila’s Anniversary
Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga, has led mourners in sending birthday wishes to her uncle, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
Winnie reminded the gathering that Oburu was celebrating his 83rd birthday, calling on Kenyans to wish him well and asking God to grant him more years of life.
She also invited mourners to wave to Oburu as he watched the proceedings.
During her address, Winnie also acknowledged members of the East African Legislative Assembly, including Kanini Kega, Falhada Iman and Zipporah Kering, recognizing their support for her.
Oburu Defends ODM’s Broad-Based Government Arrangement
In a statement read by Kisii Governor Simba Arati during the first anniversary commemoration of Raila Odinga in Bondo, Oburu dismissed criticism of the party’s political direction.
Oburu dismissed criticism of the party’s political direction, maintaining that its engagement in the broad-based arrangement neither departed from its principles nor betrayed its historical struggle.
He said ODM had consistently embraced pragmatic political engagement and made decisions to promote national stability when necessary.
According to Oburu, the party’s current approach was a deliberate strategic choice intended to advance its longstanding objectives.
He also argued that ODM could not effectively implement its progressive agenda from the political sidelines.
Oburu identified the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 as a central objective, arguing that the country must move beyond defending constitutional provisions.
Additionally, Oburu cited economic equity, genuine devolution, and institutional integrity as key areas that require practical action.
Also Read: Inside Raila Odinga’s Mausoleum and the Meaning Behind Its Pentagon Design
ODM Issues Statement on Oburu’s Recovery
Clarification on the health status of Oburu from Ida Odinga at Migwena Cultural Grounds follows ODM communications director Philip Etale’s explanation that the party leader was recovering after several weeks of treatment both locally and abroad.
On October 13, Etale said Oburu wanted Kenyans to give him time to regain his strength before returning to active public engagements.
“As he takes time to rest and recuperate after several weeks of treatment both abroad and locally, he wishes that the section of Kenyans who are happily spreading the news will give him time to recover fully, regain his health and energy and then return to active life soon,” Philip Etale noted.
The party also expressed concern over false reports circulating on social media about the senator’s health, urging the public to rely on official communication.
Oburu’s office had previously maintained that he was resting on doctors’ advice and remained engaged in party and national affairs.
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